Mathew Brady Studio: Union Civil War Camp photograph of African Americans

This collection contains an albumen photograph of a Union wagon camp in Virginia during the Civil War from the Washington D.C. studio of Mathew Brady. Brady was one of the earliest and most famous photographers in American history. He is best known for his scenes of the Civil War. He often photographed Black soldiers and laborers during the war, mostly in Union or contraband camps. The present image documents for posterity a number of Black soldiers and laborers working towards a Union victory in the Civil War, a watershed moment in the history for African American people.

The photograph measures 5 X 8 inches and is affixed to a 6 X 9 inches studio mount. It depicts numerous men standing amid three houses, tents, and a few wagons. One wagon has "U.S. 12 07" stenciled on its side. Among the soldiers and teamsters are five Black men.

Some of the men, dressed in simple work clothes, may have served as servants as "contraband of war," while other Black men in military uniform were likely enlisted as soldiers in the regiments of Black troops.

A penciled note on the verso reads, "Photograph of camp in Virginia where D.H. Plumb was located for a time in the Civil War." The most likely reference is to Reverend David Henry Plumb, a private in the 4th Massachusetts Cavalry, which served in Virginia in 1864-65. Reverend Plumb mustered into the 4th Massachusetts in January 1864 and served until July 1, 1865. A signature opposite the inscription reads "Helen Thomas," who was potentially a descendant of Plumb's due to the familiar nature of the inscription.

Sources: "Mathew Brady" Wikepedia. Accessed 4/4/24 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathew_Brady

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